Northwest Leaders & Legends EP 3 Suzanne Dale Estey 5-6-26

In this Economic Development Week episode, Northwest Leaders & Legends (NWLL) continues its exploration of the people shaping economic development across Washington State and the broader Pacific Northwest with a conversation featuring Suzanne Dale Estey, Executive Director of the Washington Economic Development Association (WEDA).

Suzanne brings a statewide perspective to the work of economic development, helping explain how communities, public agencies, business organizations, and local leaders collaborate to support job creation, business growth, infrastructure, investment, and long-term regional competitiveness.

In this episode, Suzanne discusses the history and evolution of WEDA, the role of economic development practitioners across Washington’s 39 counties, and the statewide economic development and competitiveness plan now underway — offering insight into the challenges, opportunities, and partnerships shaping Washington’s economic future.